Apart from considerations as to how royalty based fees would be levied and
who would arbitrate this "reasonable" standard and who is entitled to charge
such fees (is there any universally recognized authority to resolve
international disputes over patents or copywrite?); what would lead an
organization that supports the free dissemination of information to the
world wide community to adopt a policy that can only further limit this
process?
Note, that I have said further limit this process. The reality is that many
people are barred from access to the Web because they cannot afford it,
these changes would only serve to disenfranchise more people. It is also
clear, since September 11th, that no one can ignore the plight of people
around the world who are oppressed with hunger and disease that results from
political, economic and religious violence. The proposed changes can only
have a negative impact on the free exchange of ideas and information through
the WWW which I feel is vital to combat the violence that threatens to
engulf our lives.,
George Vagenas
Vernon, BC
Canada